Controlling a Lady Bug Infestation
They end up in the dogs water bowls, in my sink, on my curtains... I even found one in my sock! YUCK! I have been gently putting them into a cup and releasing them outside, but I have also found a lot of lady bug carcass' in my lights. Does anyone know how I can control the level of lady bugs getting into my house? Do I need to get a lady bug house for the outdoors? |
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You have to get rid of ladybugs and here I am buying a bunch each year for my garden. What's wrong with this picture?  I didn't know they sometimes invade homes! Quick google search turned up what looks like a helpful article: http://www.getridofthings.com/get-rid-of-lady-bugs.htm Looks like repairing and sealing your screens and window frames might do the trick, although there are a couple of other interesting ideas here as well. |
rdf wrote: You have to get rid of ladybugs and here I am buying a bunch each year for my garden. What's wrong with this picture? I didn't know they sometimes invade homes! Quick google search turned up what looks like a helpful article: http://www.getridofthings.com/get-rid-of-lady-bugs.htm Looks like repairing and sealing your screens and window frames might do the trick, although there are a couple of other interesting ideas here as well. Thanks for the link! I don't mind the lady bugs... when they're outside. I haven't seen an aphid since I moved, so they're doing their job. I've seen lady bugs before, but this area must have a huge population. I'll have to check my screens and windows and properly seal them up. |
Lady bug is not a bug but rather a beetle, just like the Asian beetle mentioned in the article. I know it's a small thing but when you work with entomologists........  Not all lady bird beetles are red and black, some are pink, some are black with yellow spots, some are white with black spots.........etc. Most all of the "type" are predators, helping control pests, some are enemies like Mexican bean beetle or the cucumber beetle. Their life cycle is curious, the "hibernation" phase isn't a mating phase, just kinda a winter rest in a warm spot where they chat about beetle stuff. If you buy lady beetles for release in the garden, they may not be finished with the "hibernation" and will fly away until the stored chemicals in the body that promote the chitchat time is used up. You may see "stay at home" beetles advertised. These are one who have been kept secure after the "phase" is over and will stay in the garden looking for food. But if not found, they go in search of other aphids. Elm left beetles resemble lady beetles and they will glady winter over in your home, in the attic and often fall into light fixtures, drawn to the warmth. Beetles moving about now, especially back into the home are confused, just coming out of the "phase" and still seeking warmth, companionship or food. |
| A few years ago my garage was overrun with ladybugs. Well, overrun might be a bit of an overstatement. I found them huddled in groups in corners at the ceiling, in corners near the doors, in corners everywhere. One group had to have hundreds and hundreds of them all huddled together. We didn't do anything except brush them away to the outside, and they haven't (yet) returned in such quantity. |
| we get them every year and so far we have only had about 30 or so inside. Last year none inside. It only really lasted a few weeks. Better the ladybugs than the aphids |
We have the same trouble.  I understand they were introduced here (they are different than the regular, old style ladybugs) as a natural pest control, and got out of hand... We had a really bad influx many years ago - I literally saw black clouds of them as they flew in (I was outside hanging laundry out and got mobbed) and then they settled down a bit. This spring they are really intense again here. When I can't stand them, I vacuum them all up and burn the bag. And that's only temporary - more come back  You could spray I suppose, but I really try and avoid chemicals. They also have a bitter taste - so I battle them in the dog water and in the fish tanks as well. No uncovered glasses at home - they get in the beverages.....I could go on and on...  |
| Yeah, it's temporary.........think of Black Fly, but yours are more colorful and don't bite! Vacuum is excellent. Another pest is Red Shoulder Box or Box Elder Bug. http://www.colostate.edu/Dept/CoopExt/4dmg/Pests/red.htm Once again, vacuum is the best tool. |
SheepieBoss wrote: Their life cycle is curious, the "hibernation" phase isn't a mating phase, just kinda a winter rest in a warm spot where they chat about beetle stuff. I love this line.. had me laughing out loud  |
got sheep wrote: We have the same trouble. I understand they were introduced here (they are different than the regular, old style ladybugs) as a natural pest control, and got out of hand... Dawn, you took the words right out of my mouth. My dad's house used to have them really bad. The house sat empty for a couple weeks after my dad got sick and it was fall when we went back to take care of a few things. When we turned up the heat and turned on the lights they came from everywhere. I couldn't believe how many there were. |
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